AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Her pulse began to race, and her breaths came in rapid, hoarse gasps. Panic blinded her thoughts. Her face crumpled, and she let out a whimper like a cornered animal.
Lio would hear that sound in his memories for the rest of his existence.
He could scarcely bear to look at Cassia. Not when he could feel her horror. They were both thinking the same thing.
This was the fate that awaited her, if she could not claim her magic. This was what not just her life, but her eternity would look like if she was denied her power.
Lio slipped his hand behind Pakhne’s head and covered her in a sleep spell. Her thoughts sank into sweet oblivion. The only thing he could do for her now.
“Rudhira will know what to do,” Lyros said.
Yes. Lio had another one of the Collector’s broken vessels to give to Rudhira now.
“Is it safe to send someone for him?” Cassia asked. “Perita needs healing. Now.”
“We’ve veiled the place,” Mak said, “but I’d rather not find out how they hold up against Aithourian revelatory spells.”
Lyros shook his head. “Bringing Rudhira here is asking for trouble.”
“We’ll have to risk it for Perita’s sake,” Cassia said.
Kella twirled her fortune blade. “Let the war mages come. We’ll see how long they keep their fires burning against my water magic.”
“Very well,” Lyros said. “You go, my Grace. I’ll fortify your ward against fire.”
Mak gave a nod and disappeared. Lyros began to circle them, adding his blood to the ring on the ground.
Beyond their defenses, Kella and Tilili stood guard over Lord Hadrian’s fallen men. None dared try to get through her to interfere in the duel.
Lord Hadrian circled Solia inside her ring of flames, dragging his forearm across his brow. “You could have killed me by now.”
“Yes.” Solia sounded winded, but her steps were less weary than the old warrior’s.
“Grant me the dignity of not toying with me,” Lord Hadrian demanded. “If this is to be my final battle, end it!”
The image of his wife and daughters’ faces flashed through his thoughts, his final, silent battle cry. With a burst of strength and speed that must have cost him, he lunged.
ANYTHING TO SAVE HER
Cassia could not look away from how the battle would end.
Solia gripped her gladius in both hands and met Lord Hadrian’s powerful attack with her blade. The clang made Cassia’s ears ring.
Then came the slide of steel on steel as her golden sword raced into a counterattack. Lord Hadrian’s sword flew from his hands and beyond the ring of fire.
He and Solia stood panting, and he looked without fear into her bespelled, golden gaze. Then he murmured a prayer, a warrior’s promise to his god that he was ready.
Solia sheathed her sword. Lord Hadrian let out a hoarse breath.
“This blade will always stand between you and death,” Solia said. “Do you understand?”
Lord Hadrian shook his head.
She reached up and pulled her scarf away. The golden mask around her eyes faded. She showed her real face to Lord Hadrian, with her secrets in ashes at her feet.
Cassia knew there would be a cost later. But right now, she could only hope Lord Hadrian would know her sister. He seemed frozen, his face betraying nothing.
“Did you recognize my block?” Solia asked.
